American Humanics

The American Humanics Program at Grand Valley State University prepares students and community members for professional positions in community-based organizations.

Founded in 1948 at Missouri Valley College, Marshall, Missouri, American Humanics is a national alliance of colleges, universities and nonprofit organizations devoted to preparing college students for careers in nonprofit and human service organizations. Grand Valley State University is one of over 70 campus affiliates offering an American Humanics certificate in nonprofit management.

Grand Valley State Universities AH program is linked with the curriculum and competencies of American Humanics, Inc. (AH), a national organization that collaborates with affiliated college and university programs, professional organizations, and nonprofit agencies. AH affiliates work to educate, prepare, and certify professionals who can strengthen and lead nonprofit organizations. Students earning an AH Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership simultaneously earn national professional certification from American Humanics, Inc.

Participation in the Nonprofit Administration Program builds on and enhances students' chosen major course of study and provides the tools to achieve success in the field of nonprofit management. This interdisciplinary program is open to students of all majors and to community members.

Students pursuing American Humanics certification become prepared to enter the nonprofit field in professional roles by becoming proficient in 14 competency areas (link to competencies). Many students go on to fulfilling and successful careers in the nonprofit field, while other students become certified in leadership roles in their community.

Career Opportunities

Today more than 1.5 million nonprofits are serving communities throughout the United States, including 1,600 here in the Greater Grand Rapids area.

As the nonprofit sector grows at twice the rate of the government and private sectors, demand for capable nonprofit professionals increases accordingly and is higher than ever. Each year nearly 30,000 new agencies are established. They offer an estimated 50,000 entry-level professional positions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that the need for qualified nonprofit professionals would increase significantly over the next several years. As a result of this expansive growth, the demand for candidates to fill professional positions far exceeds the supply of qualified applicants.

Students seeking American Humanics' Certification are eligible to apply for various scholarships and academic awards. The AH Student Online Profile enables students to post resumes on the World Wide Web where prospective employers can view students' qualifications and students can review employment opportunities.

American Humanics' students are a preferred source of entry-level nonprofit professionals among the organization's national nonprofit partners, which include:

• AmeriCorps *NCCC
• American Red Cross
• America's Second Harvest
• The Arc of the United States
• Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America
• Boy Scouts of America
• Boys and Girls Club of America
• Camp Fire U.S.A.
• Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.
• Girls Incorporated
• The Humane Society of the United States
• Junior Achievement Inc.
• March of Dimes
• National 4-H Council
• National Urban League
• Points of Light Foundation
• Opportunity Knocks
• Outreach International
• United Way of America
• Volunteers of America
• Young Men's Christian Association (Y.M.C.A.) of the U.S.A.